Manila: Both the Department of Health (DOH) and government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) are on standby to assist in managing the influx of patients at the Philippine General Hospital.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa made the statement on Monday after PGH spokesperson and coordinator for public affairs Jonas del Rosario confirmed that its emergency room has exceeded its capacity by 400 percent. Del Rosario reported that the number of ER patients has reached 300 over the past three to four days.

The PGH’s ER is one of the biggest in the NCR with a capacity of 75 beds. Herbosa announced that DOH hospitals, as well as four GOCC hospitals, are open and prepared to receive patients who cannot currently be accommodated at UP-PGH due to the temporary congestion of its ER.

Herbosa advised all hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and doctors to refrain from bringing new patients to UP-PGH for now and instead direct them to DOH hospitals. The following DOH hospitals are ready to accept patients: East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

Three GOCC hospitals and a private organization are also part of the UP-PGH’s support network: Philippine Orthopedic Center, Philippine Lung Center, National Children’s Hospital, and select services at the Philippine Mental Health Association.

The public is advised to call first, if possible, before bringing a patient to the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development at mobile numbers 0956-1753710 or 0920-2511800.